BMW xDrive. Maybe this term is new to you? Maybe you’ve heard of it? Regardless of which category you’re in, one thing is certain: once you’re clear on what xDrive means and what it’s all about, you’ll want it to feature in your next vehicle. Of course, there’s only one sort of car to which this technology is exclusive. At Edmonton BMW we’ll talk about our xDrive technology to anyone who’ll listen! Not only because it really is our business, but because it’s a truly remarkable innovation in the world of all-wheel-drive systems. This post will school you on everything you wanted to know about BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system but were afraid to ask.

AWD 101

All-wheel-drive (AWD) systems are designed to deliver a more controlled, confident driving experience. Lots of models feature AWD of some sort, and every automaker realizes the system differently in their own cars. With varying degrees of success, AWD systems are designed to ensure maximum traction at all times, keep the vehicle agile and responsive through difficult road conditions, and maintain stability through fast bends and sharp corners. That’s really the goal of every AWD system though, like we said before, everyone does it differently and end results are varied. Except when it comes to xDrive. Consistent class-leading handling and performance mark BMW’s innovation-driven xDrive all-wheel-drive system and make it a benchmark for other’s brave enough to compete.

BMW xDrive

xDrive is the permanent all-wheel drive system from BMW and features in our X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 crossover sport activity vehicles. On normal, dry roads, xDrive distributes driver power between front and rear axles (a 40:60 ratio) and changes this figure variably as surface conditions themselves change. Adjusting almost instantaneously in a manner so subtle as to pass unnoticed by the vehicle’s occupants, xDrive can direct up to 100 per-cent of drive forces to a single axle. This allows drivers to start up effortlessly, regardless of whether the immediate surface is slippery or steep. To maximize efficiency and effectiveness, xDrive routes all power to the axles with the greatest traction.

Braking with xDrive

This xDrive system works with both the anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to deliver maximum control over braking; if any further spinning or instability threatens the vehicle’s traction after it’s already split the torque between axles, individual wheels will have their brakes applied specifically, until control is restored. This really puts the “x” in xDrive, especially when you consider that each wheel of the the vehicle, while constituting a distinct point on the vehicle that is capable of acting independently, nevertheless remains a responsive, connected part of the whole system, able to adapt to changes sensed elsewhere and mitigates risk.

xDrive and control

Upon first detection of understeering, drive power to the front axle is reduced; sensing oversteering, xDrive directs more power to the front axle. Owing to this dynamic redistribution of power, vehicle stability returns to normal, with no noticeable disruption. The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures that no drive power is wasted on a loss of traction, and every kilowatt of power is effectively brought to bear on the road by a strategic distribution and reactive redistribution of driving force. Traveling along winding roads or taking a fast bend in dynamic style is xDrive’s bread and butter: it’s as though your BMW is being guided along, rather than driven. Effortlessness is the active term when describing the sensation of xDrive.

xDrive performance

Parking situations demand high manoeuvrability. BMW xDrive delivers this by opening the clutch completely, allowing the powertrain to functions optimally at low speed. BMW xDrive is regulated by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), using information from the latter system’s sensors to monitor road conditions. In addition to this, DSC-supplied brake force is used when there’s traction disparity between the two sides of the vehicle and wheel spin is likely.

xDrive in Edmonton

Combining xDrive with Dynamic Stability Control has resulted in a new system, BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). A full drivetrain and chassis control system able to not only split torque between both axles, but also which side of the front and rear axle it is applied, this technology manages traction and exaggerated steering by spreading drive forces over the rear axle. The DPC system delivers exceptional handling no matter what speed you drive at, or how hard you take your corners. Not only does DPC give drivers the best handling in our Alberta winters, it also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes and the need for repair.

Visit or contact Edmonton BMW today and command the stability, control and effortlessness of BMW’s xDrive and DPC systems today.